Savoir Flair Fall 2012

savoirflair Complimentary Copy

2012 Vol. 5

New England’s lgbt Magazine

No. 2

www.linkpink.com • KP MEDIA Publication

Divorce

When there is Marriage...

Hope For Holyoke 23 Year Old Gay Mayor Alex Morse Makes Us Proud

Keeping The Faith A Veteran and Her Service Dog Film

|

Weddings

|

Fashion

Our Beautiful Homes Modern Hamilton House + Historic Home Restored

John Waters Our Favorite Film Director

|

home

|

Marketplace

Voted “Best Tuxes”- Boston Magazine

Where will your tux take you?

Famous name and designer tuxedos.

Merino and Italian fabrics at discount prices.

TUX RENTALS -$50.00 ALL STYLES

Call About our Tux Trade-in Policy

140 River St. Cambridge, Central Sq.

617.547.2455

Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm 2 savoirflairmagazine

www.keezers.com

savoirflairmagazine 3

Present This Card

4 savoirflairmagazine

accounting, tax and financial services

Are you looking for a firm large enough to offer a full array of accounting, taxation, and consulting services, but small enough to know you on a personal level? Then look no further. We started years ago as a small operation, and have grown today to many professionals each offering top-notch credentials and experience.

Whether you need accounting & payroll, tax planning & preparation, IRS problem resolution, or a full complement of other individualized services, we will give you the full resources you would expect only from a large firm while maintaining the personal touch.

Full service accounting, tax and financial services for individuals and business IRS representation, back taxes and collections a specialty!

We are a small firm with the expertise and resources of a large firm.

Premier TAX

& Financial Services Inc. EDWARD L. VIAR, CPA

859 Williard St., Quincy, MA 02169

(617) 472-5180

www.premiertax.net • e-mail:info@premiertax.net savoirflairmagazine 5

6 savoirflairmagazine

savoirflairmagazine 7

Contents features

12

An interview with John waters | film Director

BY Mark Adams

16

Divorce | WhEn There Is Marriage...

By Elizabeth Gromley

22

Keeping The Faith | A Veteran and her dog

By Faith Harris

29

Hope For Holyoke | Gay Mayor Alex Morse

By Flavia Francesquini

Boston Provincetown Northampton Providence Massachusetts Connecticut Maine Vermont New Hampshire Rhode Island 8 savoirflairmagazine

34

Handsome Home | A Modern Hamilton House

By Sharon Levine

46

So You want To Restore ... | A historic Home Reborn

By Alan Collachicco

52

Vermont Winter Wedding |Marc & John’s Event

By Michele Mottola, Photos By David Murray

every issue 12 FILM /TV

An Interview with John Waters

42 Home Improvement

To Demolish or Remodel

73 MarketPlace SERVICE DIRECTORY

Community Owned and Friendly Services

Publisher Mary Kennedy EDITOR Sharon Levine Writers Wendy Mimran | Mark Adams | Matthew K. Teague | Elizabeth Gromley Alan Collachicco | Flavia Francesquini | Michele Mottola Sales Rena Berman, Sales Director Wendy Mimran, Sales Development Manager Sharon Levine | Nicholas McCarty | Mark Davis Production Jenna Simon | Orella DeVille, Intern Cleo Marie | Kwame Byrd | Pixie Chavez Photography Shannon Cronin | Joe Gallo | Rob Deza | Alan Collichico | Featureflash David Murray Distribution Boston Phoenix Distribution | MABWorks | Durel Distribution Advertising Information All inquires may be addressed to KP Media, 66 Charles St., # 283 Boston, MA 02114 (617) 423-1515, Fax: (617) 423-7147 e-mail: kpmedia@aol.com Š2013 All Rights Reserved. M. Kennedy Publishing, Inc. Savoir Flair may not be reproduced in part or whole without the written permission of the publisher. Advertising content is the sole responsibility of individual advertisers.

Advertisers participating in this guide are not necessarily gay / lesbian, but Openly welcome the community.

Printed in Canada with Green Technology

savoirflairmagazine 9

copley art framing

&

Since 1982

Free Parking

CUSTOM AND ready-MADE FRAMES Fast Service -1 Day Service Available • Lowest Prices

Choose from hundreds of different styles, finishes 35% off Custom Framing $37.95 Aluminum Frame

Up to 24 x 36 inches, glass, frame, labor, 6 frame choices -cannot be combined with other specials

MATTING Preservation/Conservation of many types, styles, and frames.

MOUNTING Dry mounting, floating mounting, and shadow boxing, GLAZING Premium Clear • Non Glare • Acrylic/Plexi UV Filtering • Mirrors • Museum Glass Copley Art & Framing REPAIRS/RESTORATION 150 Huntington Ave | Boston | behind the pru Oversized framing, needle points, canvas security hanging.

617-267-6060 • www.copleyframing.com CANVAS STRETCHING West Roxbury Framing We can fit your canvas pictures onto a new frame.

BUDGET FRAMING 1741 Centre St. | West Roxbury | near police station Framing solution to keep within your budget.

617-327-3890 • www.westroxburyframing.com

10 savoirflairmagazine

 J Murray and Sons Construction, LLC Residential and Commercial Licensed and Insured

J Murray & Sons specializes in high end residential and commercial construction. Our capabilities range from projects as large as a full gut renovation of an entire home to any smaller project you need complete.

We offer handyman service by the hour and always give free on site estimates for all projects. Please feel free to contact us with any of your needs.

(617) 625-9015Â Boston, MA

www.jmurrayandsons.com savoirflairmagazine 11

Photo by Featureflash

JohnW a t e r s + MarkA d a m s

John Waters grew up obsessed with violence and gore and humor. All of his movies were set in his home town of Baltimore. He once said, “I pride myself on the fact that my work has no socially redeeming value.”

Among his many works are “Pink Flamingos,” a movie he said “made trash respectable,” “Female Trouble,” “Multiple Maniacs,” and, of course, “Hairspray.” His most recent project is a book of his cross country hitch hiking experience called “Carsick.” This legendary film director has been spending his summers in Provincetown for many years now, and is a fixture in a town filled with the...well, “the unusual.” We spoke at his Commercial Street residence a while ago.

12 savoirflairmagazine

M: I saw your last show in PTown. Do you enjoy “live” appear-

I used was Liz Renay. Then Tab Hunter...he made that film (“Poly-

ances?

ester” 1981) the success that it was. God bless him for having the

J: I always hate doing shows where I live, but it was time. I have

nerve to make that movie. For him it was big nerve, I think, to

no privacy anyway, so why not do it. It seems like I’ve been on

be a Hollywood star who hadn’t made a movie in a long time,

every radio show in the world. Well, most of them. Fox Network

to do one with me, and make out with Divine, and this is long

never has me on. Howard Stern will never have me on. I’d love to

before we had found any respectability. He was a good sport

do his show. Ellen hasn’t had me on. They’re just afraid I’ll

about it, he re-invented himself. Tab and Divine together was very

talk about Bobby Garcia and Marine blow jobs. Oprah’s audi-

commercial. As much as I loved Elizabeth Taylor, if I said I wanted

ence isn’t ready for me to talk about gay porn.

to use her today and she said she wanted to, they wouldn’t let

M: Aside from the usual after-show comments, the one I heard

you. They (the studios) want somebody who was in a movie that

most was, “How does he manage to do a 90-or-so-minute show

made $200 million with young people a year ago. If Katherine

all ad-lib?” And it does appear that it’s all off-the-cuff.

Hepburn came back from the grave, she couldn’t get a job, the

J: It’s not ad-lib. Every word is written. Not one word is different

way the business is today. I always hated Katherine Hepburn,

between shows. I hope it SOUNDS like I”m just telling these stories.

by the way. I know it’s cinematically incorrect to say, but I never

The only part that isn’t written is the Q & A at the end. All comedy

could stand her. She was no fun.

has to be planned.

M: Do you hire people who are “fun?”

M: How long have you been spending your summers in Ptown?

J: Oh, they have to be, or they’ll never get through it. Are they

J: This is my 46th summer.

going to be a “team player.” I’ve always been able to tell that

M: What originally brought you to Ptown?

from meeting them.

J: Because someone told me it was a weird place, so I hitchhiked

M: What did you think of the musical version of “Hairspray?

here. I stayed two weeks the first summer, and later I stayed at

J: They changed it and it worked. The movies of “The Producers”

Prescott Townsend’s, one of the first gay radicals from Boston. I

and “Rent” didn’t. They made it a big, broad Hollywood musical

lived in a tree fort behind the Mews that he lived in. It was free.

with John Travolta, who played it differently than either Divine or

M: Has Provincetown changed a lot in 46 years?

Harvey Fierstein. Tracy Turnblatt is a star-making role. Finally, the

J: No it hasn’t. I don’t think so. It’s still like it always was. It was

leading lady was a fat girl.

Bohemian. It was kids, gay people, eccentrics who didn’t fit in

M: You like to hang out at the Old Colony Tap. Is that your favorite

anywhere else. It was always remote, always expensive. I think I

place in Ptown?

dropped a piece of gum down here in 1968, and it’s still there.

J: Well, I tried to go to the VFW. They weren’t very nice.

M: Because there are so many unique characters in Ptown, have

M: Why the VFW?

you ever used any of them as a basis for characters in your mov-

J: Because I like to go to places no one wants to go to. I like

ies?

minorities, so I go to the straight bars here.

J: No, not really, tho Mortville in “Desperate Living” is a little town

M: About your book, “Role Models.” Out of all the people you

that doesn’t participate in the rest of the world...there are little

know and have known, how did you select who

“kings” that run it, as in all little towns. I’m influenced by that. I

to include?

think that “Desperate Living” probably had the most to do with

J: I had to pick role models that I could tell my life through them.

Provincetown, and I don’t mean that negatively. “Desperate

Once I started thinking about it, it wasn’t hard to come up with a

Living” was where eccentrics had to go to escape the law...but I

list. It took me 2 1/2 years to write.

know people here who have escaped the law, along as they live

M: Any other of your older movies headed to Broadway?

here. There are certain rules for people who live here all the time.

J: No, I think that when “Cry Baby” didn’t work, my Broadway ca-

There should be.

reer ended. If “Cry Baby” had worked, then maybe “Serial Mom,”

M: When you’re not here, where are you?

but since it didn’t, I think it’s over. They were the two most suited

J: I live a lot of places. I live in Baltimore, I have apartments in NY

for the Broadway stage. Look for John Waters riding his bicycle on

and San Francisco. I’m on the road all the time...I live in airports.

Commercial Street, or buying his morning paper at the East End

M: When you first started, you used mostly your friends as per-

Marketplace, but don’t tell him I told you.

formers. Were you using them because they were your friends, or because you thought they could really do the job, or because

Mark Adams has been an established

they were the only ones who would agree to do your films?

contributor to Boston’s LGBT Media, writ-

J: Actually, it was all three. All kids interested in film making do

ing extensively on film and video of inter-

their first ones with their friends. And the

est to the community.

ones I used at the beginning are still in my movies. The first outsider

savoirflairmagazine 13

Justin

75 NORFOLK ST.. CAMBRIDGE, MA 02139

Kelly

contracting

Restoration & Remodeling Specialists Kitchen & Bath, Interior & Exterior Painting Decks Custom Millwork Demolition

617-945-0143 HIC 153194 CS 094483

m. 617-838-7666 f. 617-945-0658

jkelly.contracting@gmail.com www.justinkellycontracting.com

Design Wood Floors Hardwood Floor Design • Hybrid mixed Medium • Stenciling • Mirroring • We work with you to create unique designs appropriate for your living space. All creative ideas welcomed!

Hardwood Floor Installation • Nail down strip • Nail down plank • Glue down plank • Floating Floor • Formica Laminate ( Pergo type ) • Custom borders • Pre-finished parquets, planks and strips

Hardwood Floor Sanding • New wood • Existing wood • Antique/delicate floors • Screen sanding and re-coating

Hardwood Floor Finishing • Oil modified finishes ( polyurethane ) • Moisture cure • Aniline dye coloration • Oil stain coloration • Water base • Bleaching• Pickling

617-967-4071 • 55 Main Street Blackstone, Ma

www.designwoodfloors.com

14 savoirflairmagazine

Take

us with you

Smartphone users download free Gay Pink Pages Android App

Use businesses that openly welcome us

SPILLANE

Building Restoration and Preservation Since 1932

(617) 389-6200 97 Tileston St., Everett, MA

Masonry Restoration

Historic Restoration Stone Repair & Replacement Building Cleaning Terra Cotta Repair & Replacement Through-Wall Flashing System Brick Pointing & Replacement Paver & Plaza Systems

Concrete Repair & Protection

Concrete Slab Repair & Replacement Vehicular & Pedestrian Traffic Coating Systems Expansion Joint Systems Penetrating Sealer Applications Structural Beam & Column Repairs Epoxy & Urethane Grout Injection Precast Concrete Construction & Rehabilitation Elastomeric Wall Coatings

Caulking & Sealant Replacement

Analysis & Recommendation on Joint Design & Material Selection Sealant Joint Replacement on all Types in Walls, Floors & Various Substrates Window Repairs & Replacement Wet Glazing-Gasket Replacement Curtain Wall Repair & Replacement Silicone Extrusion Installation

Membrane Waterproofing

Sheet Membranes, Fluid Applied & Hot Rubberized Asphalt Systems Negative Side & Below Grade Systems Dampproofing & Air Barrier Systems Cementitious Waterproofing Plaza Waterproofing Systems

Specialty Services & Lining Systems General Contracting & Subcontractor Services Structural Steel Repairs Carbon Fiber Strengthening Systems Polyurea Spray Systems HDPE Lining Membranes Specialty Coating & Flooring Systems

Fax: (617)-389-4138 • www.pjspillane.com savoirflairmagazine 15

Divorce

By Elizabeth Gromley with Flavia Francesquini The last thing a loving couple wants to think about while planning their wedding is whether or not a divorce could end up costing more than the flowers they just chose for the chapel. Nothing like the promise of a new life together to make us embark on a romance-filled train that seems to lead to happily-ever-after. For many of us in the LGBTQ community, the legalities of marriage are also fantasy-filled. We fought against discrimination by creating our own ceremonies, where we gathered loved ones and proclaimed our love like any other couple would except, of course, that there were no legal bindings to our unions. Unjust? Absolutely! But now that we have taken steps towards marriage

equality,

we

must also deal with its reality, that it may not be equal after all.

May 17, 2004, was a great day to be gay/lesbian in the state of

When there’s Marriage...

Massachusetts, for it was on this day that same-sex couples began tying the knot that had the same legal binding heterosexuals had been using for quite some time in the history of human civilization. “Marriage equality” meant equality, from the beginning, middle, and (gulp) end—if our same-sex-happily-ever-afters turned out to be not so happy—right? Because before a person is hetero or homo, or both, he or she is human, causing some proverbial erring. In relationships, we make mistakes.

We grow apart. We decide “the one” isn’t the one anymore. Why? The possibilities, amicable or contentious, of who gets the dog or who keeps the house, are boundless. Unfortunately, marriage equality in Massachusetts and in the other states that have issued licenses to same-sex couples, is an illusion. Marriage equality doesn’t exist yet. We’ve come a long way, tore a lot of red tape and

celebrated

continues on next page

savoirflairmagazine 17

Divorce | WhEn There Is Marriage... continued from previous page

key victories, but to call the current state of affairs regarding marriage “equal” is misleading, inaccurate, and just plain untrue. Yes, you can have a beach wedding in Provincetown, a country club gala in Northampton, or something rustic in the Berkshires.

But if you ever split up, prepare yourself for the very real possibility of being treated like a second-class citizen, particularly in the event that you own property, have children, retirement accounts, or have moved to a state that does not recognize same-sex marriage.

Joyce Kauffman is a Cambridge-based attorney who specializes in family law. She was handed her first samesex divorce case about six months after May 17, 2004. “Gay couples end their relationships for the same reasons straight couples end their re-

lationships,” she said. “The only thing I would say is that for many lesbian and gay people who are married, they are really unfamiliar with divorce, or never even thought about the legal process of what it would mean. So there’s some, for lack of a better word, sticker shock, when they realize what the divorce laws are.” Shock indeed, especially when many couples that want out of marriage have contacted Kauffman, only to learn they can’t divorce. “For a lot of couples who married in Massachusetts or any of the other jurisdictions where marriage is now legal, who don’t live in those jurisdictions anymore, divorce can be literally impossible.”

Another point Kauffman makes relates to couples with children, “People really need to understand that even if they’re married and have children

More Lawyers Who Welcome Our Community can be found on www.linkpink.com

Kauffman Crozier LLP www.kauffmancrozier.com

“Protecting All Families In Every Way We Can.” (617) 577-1505 • (617) 577-1012 (fax) 231 Third Street Cambridge, MA 02142

Joyce Kauffman joyce@kauffmancrozier.com

Patience Crozier polly@kauffmancrozier.com

MAKE THE LAW WORK FOR YOU Over 55 years combined legal experience

Wills, Trusts, Estates ♦ Commercial & Civil Litigation ♦ Real Estate Criminal Defense ♦ Immigration ♦ GLBT Matters ♦ Animal Law

GLICKMAN TURLEY LLP Paul M. Glickman, Esq.

Donna M. Turley, Esq.

250 Summer Street Boston, MA 02210 Tel: 617-399-7770 Fax: 617-399-7775 www.glickmanturley.com Free initial consulation

18 savoirflairmagazine

who are born into their marriage, they still have to do co-parent adoptions. Because of DOMA, and many state DOMAs, the non-biological parent’s relationship to the child may not be recognized. If they are now in a non-recognition state, that relationship may come into question. Even though they’re both on the birth certificate in Massachusetts, they still need to protect the non-biological parent’s relationship to the child by doing a co-parent adoption.”

When France Desmarattes separated from her partner of thirteen years their child was six years old. Her union had not been legalized and there were no documents protecting her rights to see her son. There were also no papers that allowed her partner to seek child support. Luckily for this family, the adults were amicable enough to work an arrangement that satisfied

Law Offices of Beth S. Herr, P.C. A t t o r n e y s at L a w • Family Law • Employment Discrimination • Business Planning • Estate Planning • Personal Injury • Civil Litigation • Real Estate • Criminal Law • Second Parent Adoptions • Partnership/Donor Agreements

Davis Square 278 Elm St., Suite 227 Somerville, MA 02144 (617) 623-6233 A Full Service Law Firm

Divorce | WhEn There Is Marriage... both parties, with Desmarattes contributing financially to her child’s well being and also being allowed regular visits. Although this is a problem that concerns many unmarried couples, there is no easier solution for gay couples who have gotten married under the assumption that they would have equal rights to straight families.

DOMA is the Defense of Marriage Act signed by President Clinton back in 1996, defining marriage on a federal level as a union of one man and one woman. It has created headaches and monumental complications for divorcing couples and their attorneys, not to mention multiplying the expenses of splitting up. In short, we pay out a helluva lot more to divorce.

Gabriel Cheong is another attorney who handles family law, divorce, and estate planning. His first same-

sex divorce case came in 2007. “In a regular, straight divorce, you would divide property,” he said. “Let’s say you divided half and half. You have a retirement account, I have a retirement account, and we divide that.

Gay couples can’t do that because retirement accounts are controlled by federal law. So, we can’t divide retirement accounts in gay marriages because it’s not federally recognized.

Gay couples have to divide other things, but what if all they have are retirement accounts? Is that fair?”

When it come to alimony Cheong explains, “Usually, alimony is taxdeductible and it’s taxable income for the recipient. But it’s not tax-deductible for federal tax purposes. [Samesex couples] lose out on that. You have to take into account how the federal government treats people. With same-sex couples, there’s a whole

other level of complexity. In Massachusetts, we recognize same-sex marriage, and you get the deductions.

But you don’t get the deductions federally. Your tax returns are different.

It makes it all the more complicated.”

Cheong is proactive in the fight for true marriage equality, “Divorce is determined by the state where you live, not where you got your marriage license. Some couples end up having to stay together because they cannot get a divorce anywhere. Personally, I’ve been seeing if it is possible for Massachusetts to pass some sort of law to allow people to get divorced here if they don’t qualify anywhere else.”

Cheong pointed out that marriage for hetero couples is like a driver’s license, a certified Massachusetts driver may drive legally in all fifty states. As continues on page 70

More than 20 years of experience practicing law in Worcester County savoirflairmagazine 19

Natoli&Associates Family law Same-sex divorce and child custody cases, plus adoption, modifications, alimony and guardianships

Criminal defense DUI, drug charges, theft, domestic abuse & disorderly conduct

Commercial litigation Contract disputes, product liability, medical malpractice, construction law & denied insurance

Bankruptcy All matters related to Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy filings Mr. Kyle McPherson, Attorney Thomas F. Natoli and Attorney Mary E. Bono

Immigration and naturalization Employment eligibility, deportation defense, requests for asylum and petitions for special immigration juvenile status

We take the time to provide personal attention in every case. We believe in communicating openly with clients, answering all of their questions, setting realistic expectations, and then aggressively pursuing the best possible resolution to suit our clients’ goals.

18 Broadway, Suite 205 Taunton, MA 02780

508-822-9829

20 savoirflairmagazine

www.NatoliLaw.com

The Center for Divorce Mediation No Fault

Law Office of

Margaret White Family Law Attorney COLLABORATIVE LAW COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE

Divorce Obtained with Mediator, Counselor/Attorney

Michael L. Lavender Assisting Couples Since 1990 • Mediated informational and legal decision making sessions; • Guidance on necessary information gathering; • Referring to additional support services, such as mental health counseling, vocational training, financial counseling, appraisers, college financial aid, etc.; • Preparation of all legal and non-legal documents; • Court Hearing Preparation; • Obtaining divorce on “uncontested no fault” grounds

3180 Main St., P.O. Box 1083, Barnstable Village, MA

(508) 362-1189

www.CapeMediation.Com

• DIVORCE • DOMESTIC RELATIONS • MATRIMONIAL LAW • COLLABORATIVE LAW

• MEDIATION • SEPARATION AGREEMENTS • CHILD SUPPORT • CHILD CUSTODY

Call to schedule a free initial telephone consultation.

I provide all of my clients with personal attention and care for your emotional and financial well-being.

Evening and weekend appointments are available.

Reasonable rates. Payment plans are available.

413.585.0125

19 Ladyslipper Lane Northampton, MA

www.masscollablaw.com

Donna Libbey Martin, Esq. North Shore Family Law Dedicated to resolving your most difficult legal matters • Same Sex Divorce • Child Custody / Adoption • Child Support • Alimony • Domestic Violence • Gay and Lesbian Family Law Call or email me today for a free consultation

781-640-9197 • 265 Essex St., Suite 301, Salem MA

Email: donnalibbeymartin@gmail.com • www.northshorefamilylaw.net savoirflairmagazine 21

# Edited Document

keeping the faith

A Veteran and her Service Dog

By Faith Harris I think of a little boy with a smile as bright as the sun, always laughing and asking me for a Pepsi whenever he came around. He seemed to always find me when I was on duty, he wanted me to help him with his English, he wanted company and I did too so we always managed to have a few laughs together.

Some days when I close my eyes this is what I see, his broad smile, his little hands holding a soda pop. But most of the time I am haunted by other images of that same little boy. He is in my arms crying out for his mother. He’s asking 22 savoirflairmagazine

me why as his bloody body goes limp and quiet. I wake up from this nightmare every night, in a cold sweat, trying to forget this image and many others that run through my head like a song stuck on repeat.

I knew that war could change a person but I never really understood what that meant until I was deployed and came back a whole different woman. I was a military police officer and I loved every minute of it. I was always so proud to put my uniform on each and every day, knowing that I mattered to my country.

When I left for war I knew that there was a chance I would not come home but I had somehow made peace with that. What I had not prepared myself for was the harsh reality of those who experience the worse of war and live to remember it all. War has changed me.

Above female soldier on Patrol in the Middle East

When I came back things seemed so different to me that it became hard to get close to people. I was angry all of the time. At night the nightmares were so intense that I found myself trying to stay awake just so I would not have to relive all the horrible moments over and over again. I found myself disconnected from everything and everyone. In time I wasn’t able to do the job I had once loved and the military made the decision to medically retire me due to severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. continues on following page savoirflairmagazine 23

Keeping ThE Faith

into the military. Eight years later I saw myself back in Boston and looked her up in hopes to say hi. What was supposed to be just dinner turned into a relationship. Now, four years later we are happily married.

My wife changed my life not just with her love, but with her determination to help me overcome PTSD. She encouraged me to learn more about Stiggy’s Dogs. This is a nonprofit organization that rescues shelter dogs and trains them to become service dogs for veterans suffering from PTSD and TBI. I was hesitant at first but the more we learned, the more my wife became convinced that a dog would be the best medicine for me.

I contacted the director, Mrs. Jennifer Petre and within a few months I was Faith and Family

on a plane to Michigan to meet and

continued from previous page I had heard of PTSD but I did not understand what it was like to live

train with my service dog, Honor.

with it and know that it will never go away. I had to take a lot of pills

Honor is an adorable 4-year-old hus-

everyday just to be able to walk outside or even talk with someone.

ky/lab mix with big brown eyes. From

I felt lost in my own body, I had never felt this way before.

the moment I saw her we instantly bonded and everyone knew we were

I left Texas, where I had been stationed, and relocated back to Massachusetts. Things were really hard for me then, I had been a soldier for so long that I did not know how to be anything else. I tried to hold down a job, but PTSD made everything difficult until it became impossible to work.

Through it all, my son was the beam of light and joy of my life. He put a smile on my face and made me feel grounded. Luckily, I was able to find other sources of happiness when I reconnected with my first true love. We had dated in college but had lost touch once I went

24 savoirflairmagazine

Honor On An Outing

Keeping ThE Faith The Gloucester House Restaurant Overlooking the Gloucester Fishing Fleet 63 Roger St., Seven Seas Wharf Gloucester MA 01930 (978) 283-1812 or 888-283-1812

The famous Gloucester House Restaurant is world renowned for its lobster dishes and fresh seafood specialties. We are the originators of the fried calamari (squid) dish, always a popular favorite. The Gloucester House specializes in locally caught North Atlantic seafood, prepared to perfection.

www.thegloucesterhouse.com

Faith and Honor

meant for each other.

We trained

together at Stiggy’s Dogs headquarters, in Michigan, for 12 days and we learned how to work as a team. While I was there I met all of the amazing people from Stiggy’s Dogs as well as the incredible veterans they help.

Once our training was over we headed back to Boston where my family got to meet Honor and fall in love with her. She was immediately part of our family and my wife noted that it was the first time in a very long while that she could see a smile on my face

Big Daddy Taxi Inc. We Go Anywhere!

and know that I was truly happy. I was able to go out again because Honor made me feel safe, I knew she had my back.

Taxi

Honor knows when to wake me from

Limousine Service

Fast friendly and fair

without the Limousine price

night terrors by licking me and giving

The mission of Big Daddy Taxi is to give each customer that “old tyme” feeling of respect and appreciation.

me comfort so I am reassured that I am home and safe. With Honor I was able to be myself and start living life again. Because of Stiggy’s Dogs and all they did for me by giving me Honor, I knew I had to give back in some way.

I decided to put together a small bencontinues on page 68

Telephone: 401-578-8182 Reservations: 401-578-3163

Wheelchair Acessible Van Available

Generalinfo@bigdaddytaxiandcoach.com

www.bigdaddytaxiandcoach.com savoirflairmagazine 25

Jeffrey R. Dornbush, D.D.S Innovative Restorative & Esthetic Dentistry • Dental Implants & Restorations • Prosthodontic Dentistry • Crowns and Bridges • Inlays and Onlays • Veneers & Veneer Restoration • Teeth Whitening • Dentures • Smile Makeovers Jeffrey R. Dornbush., D.D.S

(781) 639-0700

“I love my new smile and I ‘m one of Dr.Dornbush’s biggest fans.”

Inessa M., Chairside Dental Assistant

210 Humphrey St. #103, Marblehead, MA 01945 F ax : 781-639-8060 • E mail : 26 savoirflairmagazine

drdornbush @ comcast . net

•

www . drdornbush . com

savoirflairmagazine 27

Boston Atmosphere with Neighborhood Prices!

SUNDAY BRUNCH served 11am-3pm

LUNCH DINNER SUNDAY BRUNCH PRIVATE EVENTS

Farm Fresh eggs

STEAK & EGGS

LOBSTER Omelet

STUFFED FRENCH TOAST

Birthdays * Christenings * Rehearsal Dinners * Baby Showers * Wedding Showers * Bereavement Services * New Chef’s Specialties * Extensive Wine & Beer List * Private Events * Reservations Accepted * Martini Lounge with over 100 Martinis!

781.322.0071 • 67 Exchange St., Malden, MA FREE Validated Parking at the CBD Garage Across the Street

www.exchangestreetbistro.com

28 savoirflairmagazine

hopeforholyoke 23 year old Mayor Alex Morse

by Flavia Francesquini PHOTO: John Suchocki | The Republican

Do you remember what you were doing when you were 23 years old? I don’t believe I’m alone when I say that my early twenties were a rather colorful blur. I remember knowing a lot of people, having a lot of parties to attend and dragging myself to work with a headache every Monday morning. I eventually learned how to balance my checkbook but the truth is that to this day I have never been in charge of a budget of $124.4 million and a mission to improve the lives of nearly 40.000 people. As daunting as the task may seem, that is exactly what Alex Morse has been entrusted with, barely six months after graduating from Brown University just last year.

Not one to wait for opportunity to knock, Morse has been paving his own roads for as long as anyone who knows him can remember.

While many of his classmates were still hoping to get a job in their chosen field, Morse was sworn in as the Mayor of his hometown, Holyoke, MA. continues on next page

savoirflairmagazine 29

hopeforholyoke

Photo: Rob Deza/www.robdezaphoto.com/

continued from previous page

Alex with the staff of Holyoke Pizza

If you can think back to what senior year was like, you may recall being either swamped with finals and papers or in absolute party mode, but few of us thought that launching a campaign for mayor was even feasible.

If his age does not impress you rest assured that it’s not a big deal to him either. He also makes very little waves about being gay. Running a campaign based on total honesty has been one of his priorities and it has paid off in many ways. I would love to live in a world where age, gender, and sexual orientation have no weight in how voters perceive one’s ability to perform a job but that is not always the case. For a young gay man to earn the trust of constituents he needs to show some serious determination and a genuine understanding of the needs and strengths of the city he intends to manage. Morse prefers to simply focus on what he considers more important issues, “Every now and then my age or my sexual orientation came up during campaign but these are facts I’ve never tried to hide, and I don’t make a big deal about it because, well… they are not!

As far as negative or homophobic comments I really don’t pay attention but I don’t believe there has been a lot of focus on it either. When you claim something with pride it becomes hard for others to pick on you about it.”

While it may amaze many of us to see such resolve, those who have known Morse were not one bit surprised by his accomplishments. From an early age Morse has shown signs of leadership. This tenacity was nurtured at home. His parents encouraged him to move towards his dreams and have supported him along the way.

During his teens years he came out to his parents, a step many young men walking the delicate line between childhood and adulthood hesitate to take. Morse was right to trust his family’s ability to embrace him exactly as he is. In fact, he credits the unconditional love he received from his family as an incredible source of inspiration to continue to be the best that he could be and to help others who lacked support. Morse took another giant step during high school when he chose to come out to his school-

30 savoirflairmagazine

hopeforholyoke

Lashco

mates and faculty during an open assembly and, true to form, went on to

Tree Service

start a Gay-Straight Alliance for other students at Holyoke High School. He was also responsible for founding the city’s first LGBTQ non-profit organization, Holyoke for All – Holyoke Para Todos, (formerly called the Holyoke

Provide professional, competent, Arborist services to our clients at reasonable prices.

LGBT Task Force), which continues to offer support groups, advocacy train-

ing, and scholarship assistance to local youth. They also host the very fun annual ‘pride prom” for LGBTQ com-

In a world where you can be anything... Be yourself.

• Planting • pruning • cabling • stump grinding • high risk removals Photo: Rob Deza/www.robdezaphoto.com/

Alex Campaigning in 2011

Adam & Eve

(413) 534-8733 Fax.(413) 534-1899 46 Ferry Street South Hadley, MA

18 Main St. Greenfield, MA

www.lashcotree.com

AdamEveGreenfield.com

413.774.9800

Support These Businesses That Openly Welcome Our Community

munity and allies.

Despite his efforts to enrich the LGBTQ resources, Morse had a vision that went beyond one slice of the population, he thought of Holyoke as his home and every one of its habitants as his neighbors. Morse is clear about his priorities, “Being gay may influence how I see certain issues but it is not a driving force on how I manage the city.”

Morse served as President of the Holyoke Youth Commission, and worked to make the National Kids Vote a reality in his hometown. He partnered up with the Holyoke Parks and Recreation continues on page 64

savoirflairmagazine 31

Liquor Land

•Free Parking •Largest Selection •Case Discounts

The ultimate destination with the most satisfying tile and stone buying experience

1033 Massachusetts Avenue Boston • 617-445-0560

VISA • M/C • DISCOVER • AMEX • ATM Accepted

Family owned & operated since 1974 Over 10,000 satisfied customers in Eastern Mass.

• Ceramic • Porcelain • Natural Stone • Metal

Roofing ◊ Skylights ◊ Windows and Doors Awning ◊ Carpentry (800) 696-5588 7 Mechanic St. Natick, MA www.watertiteco.com

• Glass • Mosaics • Marble • Accent Tiles

(508) 732-8911 (781) 461-0406 Plymouth and Dedham Locations

www.besttile.com

Residential - Commercial 24 HOUR SERVICE License #014557

Air Conditioning / Heating

Humidification / Filters / Custom Ductwork Sheet Metal Maintenance Contracts / Heat & AC Service

Tom Favazza P.O. Box 648 Beverly, MA 01915 978-750-8282 • 1-888-750-8282 • Fax: 978-927-1673 pair8282@aol.com

32 savoirflairmagazine

www.preferredair.com

Exclusive Real Estate Offerings through Angeli & Associates

savoirflairmagazine 33

Handsome

Ha m i lt o n H o m e

34 savoirflairmagazine

Photography by Shannon Cronin Written By Sharon Levine

Savoir Flair is fortunate to be invited to tour the fabulous Hamilton home of Andy Giller, the owner of a glass company and Michael Tavares, Mohs Surgical Lab Supervisor and owner of a resale/consignment store on the North Shore. Originally built by a realtor in 1976 as an “empty nest” house, this dramatic nine room contemporary home was purchased by the current owners in December 2009 with renovations completed in August of 2010. The new owners, only the third ones, kept the original layout intact but added new cabinets, flooring and tiles as well as new furnishings.

Andy and Michael describe the decor as “retro mid-seventies” or “rockin seventies”.

The

theme is expressed in color (brown, orange), materials (Rosewood, chrome, glass) and shape (low and long).

The talented men also proudly point out that the decor is affordable and accessible. They did all the interior design themselves, purchasing goods from a variety of sources open to the public ranging from consignment stores to IKEA and West Elm to Mitchell Gold and Ralph Lauren.

continues on next page

savoirflairmagazine 35

36 savoirflairmagazine

< Andy and Michael followed the footprint of the original kitchen but put in new zebrawood cabinets with gray accents, Cambria countertops and stainless steel appliances.

< The focal point of the office is a spectacular black, brown, caramel and creme Missoni rug. The desk and credenza are vintage early seventies rosewood and chrome, and the chaise is Ralph Lauren.

The Mitchell Gold rust, gold and brown upholstered furniture in the living room is new.

Andy designed the bronze glass topped coffee table. > continues on next page

savoirflairmagazine 37

The airy office and living room. The office side of the room divider is all bookshelves.

Conservator Of Fine Furniture For Over 50 years 25-Y Washington Ave., Natick • yeskofurniturerestoration.com We travel anywhere in NE for our LGBT customers

Upholstery • Period Furniture • Clocks • Frame Restoration & Reconstruction • Finish Repair & Restoration • Traditional, Contemporary & Specialty Finishes • Inlay & Veneers, Marquetry In Home Repair and Touch Up Pick Up & Delivery

508-655-4442

Fine woodworking and refinishing skills applied to your heirlooms.

38 savoirflairmagazine

Mass Home Improvement Contractor Lic #102399 Mass Master Plumber Lic #7836 Mass Home Improvement Contractor Lic #102399 Mass Master Plumber Lic #7836

Our 24-Hour Line is always answered by a human being!

The pine fireplace wall and surround in the living room are original to the home.

continues on next page

617-927-4400 211 Newbury Street Boston, MA lattitudegalleryyahoo.com www.lattitudegallery.com

savoirflairmagazine 39

<The owners Andy Giller and Michael Tavares in the kitchen.

<The bed in the master bedroom has a chocolate fabric upholstered headboard.

The nightstands are rosewood/ high-gloss white.

40 savoirflairmagazine

Half bath on the floor 1

Guest bath on floor 2 with chocolate, white and caramel glass tile on the floor and the wall. The countertop is quartz.

30% off Custom Framing EVERYDAY! Harvard Sq. 1100 Mass. Ave. (617) 864-4487

Cambridge 2044 Mass. Ave. (617) 491-0011

Belmont 493-B Trapelo Rd. (617) 484-5900

www.bigpictureframing.com savoirflairmagazine 41

Demolish or Remodel

By Matthew K. Teague, president of Reef, Cape Cod’s Home Builder A high percentage of existing homes are functionally obsolete and long past their practical life expectancy. A cottage or older home built in the 1950s through the 1970s tends to have low ceilings, small rooms, limited storage and closet space, out-dated kitchens and baths.They often lack in style and aesthetics. Add these features to compromised structures, block foundations or partial basements, the new lead- paint and energy code rules and you start to see why it might be better to raze and replace a home rather than remodel it. Of course, there are intangible, emotional aspects associated with such a decision. As a builder and remodeler, I often hear comments like, “Our children grew in this house.”

“I just love the pine paneling in the living room.” “I am just so familiar with the way things are.” When you originally purchased your home 30 or more years ago, the rule of thumb was that the block of land and building had the same value. Now, especially when land is so scarce—the property’s value likely far exceeds the original structure’s worth. To guide your decision, talk with a trusted local real estate professional. Find out recent prices of the best properties in your neighborhood to help you design a realistic budget. It’s important not to overcapitalize—whether you remodel or knock down.

42 savoirflairmagazine

Demolish or Remodel The adage that it’s better to have the worst house on the best street than the reverse still holds true. Then, armed with a smart budget, begin to assess your property as unemotionally as possible.

Here are some key questions to begin the process: • How old is the existing home?

• Is the home’s infrastructure in good condition?

• Does my vision for the completed project include a second story, higher ceilings or vaulted or cathedral ceilings?

• Are there views from the lot?

• Do I want to add a garage or enlarge one?

• If I renovate, can I find materials to match the existing home?

• Is there something about the existing home I would like to preserve?

• Can I live without my home for six months or more?

• How can I finance this? What do I do

about my current mortgage?

It’s usually more expensive per square foot to extend or renovate than to knock down and build a new home.

But, when you get more specific, it’s really about ratios. The more work that needs to be done, the more likely it will be that you’ll save money on a knockdown and rebuild.

Many building components in existing homes—such as water pipes, electrical cables, insulation and structure— are hidden in areas which are not accessible. When it comes to remodeling, it is not always possible to clearly determine the amount of work necessary to achieve compliance or a satisfactory end product before the project begins. That consideration alone might influence you toward a knockdown strategy.

In contrast, a knock down has clearer, cleaner costs. Still, there are unique expenses associated with a knock down - from demolition of your existing

home to connections and reconnections of services to temporary accommodations.

And especially in New England, even a cost-effective knockdown plan may run afoul of today’s many building codes and environmental regulations – many of which probably were not in effect when your original home was built.

Words of warning: Never take a structure down without having all the necessary permits to rebuild Matt Teague is president of REEF Cape Cod’s Home Builder, West Dennis.

Matt is a Graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY with a degree in civil engineering. Outside of work, he is dedicated to the community, serving as a member and Chairman of the Barnstable Planning Board.

625 Mt. Auburn Street ◊ Cambridge MA 02138

savoirflairmagazine 43

New Comfort For Your Old Home

Bonanno

CONSTRUCTION INC.

Brick and Stone Specialists Full Service Masonry And Authorized Paver Installer

Stone & Block Retaining Walls • Patios Walkways • Stairs • Fireplaces Driveways • Stone & Brick Veneers Brick Pavers Installation

781-933-7500 239 Salem Street, Woburn, MA • www.bonannoconstruction.com

See Our Tile Work On Page 41

You don’t have to put ductwork to make your home comfortable. A Mitsubishi Electric Heat Pump will keep you cool in the summer, cozy in the winter and energy efficient all year round. And because there’s no need for ductwork, we can install it for you in hours, not days—no muss, no fuss.

Let us show you how we can turn any space into a year-round comfort zone. Call today.

44 savoirflairmagazine

Support These Businesses That Openly Welcome Us

c j D c j D

c

We are a full service general practice in the heart of South Boston

• New puppy or kitten visits and vaccines • Sick pet exams and therapies • Healthy pet check ups • Senior pet exams • Spay and neuter • Radiographs • Fluids therapies • Flea and tick products • Heartworm testing & preventatives • Dental cleanings/polish/ fluoride treatments

c

IM So Anim uth Bosto al Ho n spita l!

c c

659 East Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127

www.SouthBostonAnimalHospital.com

Tel: 617 269 0610 Fax: 617 269 0016 savoirflairmagazine 45

Photo: by Mshake

Above: Federal Style House Very formal style with Greek columns and raised foundation.

46 savoirflairmagazine

SO…

YOU WANT TO RESTORE A HOUSE ! photos and text

by Alan Collachicco In 1972 I sold the house in which I was born and had spent the early part of my life. In Boston I found a very spacious apartment in what was an elegant mid-19th century

townhouse.

Among

other things, it had two working fire places, off-street parking, and fabulous views up and down the Charles River. After a shaker of cold martinis a friend suggested, “Why not put all your talent into restoring a nice old house.” This was followed by: “If you can afford this amount of rent you certainly could afford a mortgage.” Thus began the search, not for just a ‘nice old house’ but an 18th century structure of the late Georgian or Federal Period. I was told the affordable variety of these creatures was kept in Charlestown. continues on next page savoirflairmagazine 47

RESTORE A HOUSE ! where by the shade of gray on their woodwork. This so-called ‘prize’ was also surrounded by asphalt, stained chocolate brown, trimmed in glossy turquoise, and stood very close to the old Tobin Bridge off-ramp into City Square.

Did I see any of that? I only saw a prefect Federal Period house with original mouldings, a delicate handrail extending all the way to the third floor, king’s pine wainscoting, six working fireplaces, a view of The USS Constitution and a BRA loan for restoration. I boldly signed, in the manner of Hancock, on every dotted line presented. All of this architectural richness came with a standing-room-only bath tub, a stove that oozed grease when the oven was at 350 degrees for more than 15 minutes, a toilet where the water ran freely 24/7, and a BRA contractor from Hell.

continued from previous page My knowledge of this foreign land was purely textbook. I needed a guide to lead the way and having found one, I was told that anything of interest was sold ‘word of mouth.’ In an effort to infiltrate this network, I bought a mid19th century, fully restored, row house and joined the Preservation Society. It took two years but the call finally came in the form of an invitation to lunch from a good friend / real estate agent. The prize was a free-standing mid-18th century house built in 1745, expanded in 1788, and I was to be the third owner in 1975. It was totally intact under layers of linoleum, wallpaper, and gray ‘lunch kettle’ paint from the Charlestown Navy Yard. The paint was taken from the navy yard in thermos bottles. Everyone knew who worked 48 savoirflairmagazine

Fast forward: it was restored down to the finest detail, endless layers of gray paint removed from six rooms, original paint colours matched, period papers hung, new plumbing, wiring, and a new roof. I warmly refer to it today as my “Tribute to The Bicentennial.” Most of the asphalt was removed in favor of a city garden. The shingle siding was stripped, a new front entrance to match the foot print found under the shingle siding was built and the original 1788 clapboards were painted. To accomplish this, I lived in one room with a toaster and Corning Ware coffee pot and all else that was of serious value, having

RESTORE A HOUSE !

Exterior of Colonial First Period House Before 1999 Exterior After 2010

sold most of the furniture from the first house because this one had to be ‘period’. I dressed in the front hall to avoid being covered with plaster dust, and cooked in a kitchen where the end wall was a heavy clear plastic tarp facing the express way. I kept my toothbrush and razor over the kitchen sink while the short tub and everrunning toilet sat alone and exposed on the second floor landing.

However, the restoration of this house that survived the British burning of Charlestown, the changes in taste and the BRA’s (Boston Redevelopment Authority) bulldozers was my contribution to The Bicentennial celebration. I still acknowledge it through the trees as I cross the Tobin Bridge.

We removed 1966’s trim and 1950’s plaster ceiling.

We repaired wainscoting, sanded pine floors, and repaired original wall surfaces among other interior features. Exterior work included an extension of a lean to, windows work, shingle stripping, and roof repair.

The remainder of the interior spaces bordered on the desolate. Two of the three bedrooms on the second floor had potential. The bedroom in the ell had good height, a working fireplace, nice morning light, and continues on page 60 Below: End of the house with garden viewed from the road

Since then we have just completed our sixth house restoration ! I say “we” as one cannot go through life sharing coffee breaks with contractors or balancing a 4 by 8 sheet of blue board alone. One needs company to discuss the pros and cons of returning the dining room wall to its original location or to steady the ladder while one is still balancing the sheet of blue board. This task is easily achieved once one has met someone who will listen to what one enjoys doing in your spare time. Invite him by for a drink; if he agrees with your vision for the dining room, is adept at maneuvering the piles of plaster heaped at every turn, and is not shattered by all the dust in the cuffs of his Brooks Brothers trousers, you have a keeper !

The house we are in now, a 1655 First Period Colonial House with additions and or renovations taking place in 1785-88, 1954, and 1966 was a real restoration project, needing both interior and exterior work. We researched two First Period Colonial Homes owned by Historic New England organization, to begin our restoration. savoirflairmagazine 49

Gay Friendly Business for Over 30 Years

Visit our website for an easy online purchase

repairs ◊ appraisals ◊ estate jewelry ◊ vintage jewelry

www.gayweddingrings.com

Support Wedding Businesses

That Openly WelcomE Our Community

Getting Married, Graduated, Celebrated, Elevated, Nominated, do it in the Beautiful Berkshires, One lucky couple getting married Start here! q in 2013 at Crissey Farm is going

Weddings Bar / Bat Mitzvahs Rehearsals Corporate Meetings Reunions

to win a $10,000 credit toward their big day. On February 9, 2013 Crissey Farm will host a brunch for all eligible couples and the Grand Prize Drawing will be held.

Book your 2013 wedding for your chance to win $10,000. Contact us for your chance to win!

426 Stockbridge Rd., Rte. 7, Great Barrington, MA (413) 528-4844 www.crisseyfarm.com

888.307.4298 www.mailehawaiiweddings.com

Hawaii Destination Wedding Consulting Private Estate Venues Group Travel

Maile Weddings and Events

Celebrates your wedding vision from inspiration to creation in paradise!

50 savoirflairmagazine

Dressing Men For Special Occasions Since 1923 Out of State Groomsmen Are Our Specialty!

Free Custom Color Match Groom’s Rental Always Free with four others

Worcester • Milford • Framingham • Auburn • Sturbridge

800.752.4036 www.bonardis.com

savoirflairmagazine 51

A Vermont Wedding Written by Michele Mottola Wedding Planning - Michele Mottola Special Event Consulting Photography by David Murray Weddings On a beautiful February evening, after a fresh blanket of snow fall, current residents of Boston Marc and John were married at an intimate outdoor ceremony at Vermontâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Riverside Farm, a private 300 acre country estate in Pittsfield, Vermont, less than 10 miles from Killington. The couple chose this particular venue for their weekend celebration for a variety of reasons. They wanted to be wed far from urban life plus Vermont had just legalized same-sex marriage. They also love winter and snow. This decision brought its own weather related challenges-for example, would there be enough snow for some of the weddingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special features? All worked out perfectly.

Marc, a well-known Boston floral designer and John, an Associate Professor in Pharmacy at a local university met years ago at the Harbor to the Bay (H2B) 125 mile bike ride from Boston to Provincetown. It was on this ride that they fell in love. So it was no surprise that this athletic couple requested an outdoor ceremony.

The ceremony location was nestled under a walkway that led to the dining barn. Fire pits and tall glass hurricane vessels il52 savoirflairmagazine

luminated the area. The 74 guests were taken to the ceremony by horse-drawn sleds with blankets. The couple gave much thought to their own arrival at the ceremony. They wanted to arrive by themselves as a couple, but as equals as men. Their solution: riding independently next to each other on horseback.

The details of the reception were customized according to the couple’s wishes. The unveiling of the dining room was treated as an opening to a performance.

Intentionally, the couple did not give the guests ample room to gather after the ceremony. They were handed a beverage and then a meaningful song, ‘Born Never Asked’ by Laurie Anderson, that the couple loved, was played.

As the song goes,‘It was a large room, full of a diverse group of people. And they all arrived at the same building at more or less the same time. And they were all asking themselves the same question: What is behind that curtain? You were born. And so you’re free.” Once the last word was sung, the lights went to dark; the drapes that were concealing the dining tables were pulled back revealing the table-scape. An intimate, masculine, exquisite table-scape was unveiled. Colors that were used were grays, deep browns, soft blacks, and accents of white and steel, leather, suede, distressed wood, iron and other natural rustic masculine elements filled the room. The room was anchored by iron chandeliers following the length of two tables hovering above the guests continues on next page

Place settings with menus

Wedding guests

Mother with groom savoirflairmagazine 53

Dramatic firepits illuminate the entrance

A Vermont Wedding

sight line. Each chandelier was hand strung with glass vessels and floral blooms. There were thick pewter gray textiles under a custom wood “cap” that covered the tables. The china, glass and silver for the first four courses and wine pairings were preset giving the table an added sparkle. Guests had a personalized menu showing them where to sit. Marc’s aunt had painted the winter scape that was used for the art on the menu card. There were no traditional introductions. The couple kissed and hugged their guests as they took their seats. After four courses were served, everyone was invited to toast the couple on the dance floor with warm local sapling liquor. Since the couple did not want dancing to over shadow the evening, because the dining experience and relaxed dinnertime talk was more important to them, the dance floor was deliberately set as a backdrop to the guests’ tables. This was separated by a translucent black voile with mirror pedestals supporting glass candelabras.

The first dance of the evening (and the only announced dance) was Marc and John with their Mothers. The guests joined in for a few following songs while the wait staff prepared for the last two courses. The couple opted against the traditional cake. The meal ended continues on page 56

Marc and John enjoy a private moment before the ceremony

54 savoirflairmagazine

Reinvent,

Redesign, Renew

your existing jewelry

savoirflairmagazine 55

A Vermont Wedding

John and Marc with a new friend

Horse drawn carriages transported the guests

Grooms made a dramatic entrance on horseback

Lake Pearl Lucianoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lake Pearlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ballroom is nestled on 25 lush acres overlooking beautiful Lake Pearl with spectacular locations for your on-site ceremony and reception.

Our private ballrooms hold 50 to 550 guests and the Victorian Tent with beach setting accommodates up to 200 guests.

299 Creek Street Wrentham, MA

508-384-3003 www.lakepearl.com

56 savoirflairmagazine savoirflairmagazine

A Vermont Wedding

with espresso and a party bus that escorted the guests over the snow covered hills to the dancing portion of the evening. The evening continued in the main barn on the property where dancing and additional sweets were served all night long.

Those that retired early felt that they had already experienced a culinary delight of a life time and did not feel deprived. If you chose to dance into the wee hours of the morning, you had more to talk about during brunch the next day!

John and Marc enjoy the beautiful winter landscape

Michele Mottola is an exclusive, highend Wedding and Special Events Consultant.

She was in charge of all the details of Marc and John’s wedding.

Photographer David Murray, a Pulitzer Prize Finalist who clients include the New York Times, Time Magazine, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is ranked as one of the top five wedding photojournalists in the world by the International Wedding Photojournalists Association.

Harvard Art & Frame “when it comes to framing, we do it all!”

Henderson House

Commercial • Residential Since 1938

Weddings Bar & Bat Mitzvahs Social Events

250 Main St., Charlestown, MA 02129

99 Westcliff Road Weston, MA 02493

617.242.7700

www.harvardartandframeco.com

•

(781) 235~8517 thehendersonhouse.net

Elegant, Timeless Surroundings ~ Sophisticated Conveniences A stunning Victorian mansion exclusively yours for an intimate wedding or special occasion. Let us help you create your ideal event. Contact us for more information.

The Henderson House because your special event deserves a one of a kind place

savoirflairmagazine savoirflairmagazine 57 57

Voted “Best Tuxes”- Boston Magazine

Where will your tux take you?

Famous name and designer tuxedos.

Merino and Italian fabrics at discount prices.

TUX RENTALS -$50.00 ALL STYLES

Call About our Tux Trade-in Policy

140 River St. Cambridge, Central Sq.

617.547.2455

Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm 58 savoirflairmagazine

www.keezers.com

Ustinov Jewelers

Serving our community for over 30 years

Bedford Jewelers 317 Great Rd. Bedford, MA | 781.275.7056

BedfordJewelersMA.com

17 Faunce Corner Rd. Dartmouth, MA 508.994.8400 ustinovjewelers.com

Sharon Myers Fine Catering

744 Meadowbrook Rd. Brattleboro, VT

802-254-2480

www.sharonmyers.com

Elegant, personal, full service wedding catering staff â&#x2014;&#x160; tents, bar service linens complete array of services

Wedding planning at no additional charge (781) 286-1273, www.cateringtoyou.net

savoirflairmagazine 59

RESTORE A HOUSE ! continued from page 49 a full bath. It was left as is for the moment. The bedroom in the 1780 addition had a very low ceiling and unless addressed it would remain a guest room for very short people.

As there was no access to the attic space we chose to boldly pull the ceiling down. Fortune shone upon us. Once the dust settled and the debris was cleared away, we discovered a nicely pegged frame with good hand-hewn beams. The tierods were moved up, and a traystyle ceiling installed. The space to one side of the chimney breast was framed to create a very good closet for a house of this period.

The walls and ceiling were finished with a skim-coat of lightly troweled plaster which was then ‘washed’ to affect old lime plaster. It was then glazed to add patina. Also there was the main bathroom which was small. The wash basin had been lowered to knee-cap height, the commode was tightly wedged into a corner with a wide low radiator next to it, and the tub-shower setup was the definition of claustrophobia.

Realizing little could be accomplished in this small cubicle, we opted to take half of the adjoining bedroom to widen the exisiting bath. This move allowed the space to be doubled with tub and shower at one end, commode turned so that one had ‘knee space’ and the pedestal wash basin placed where the tub once stood. The option of using vintage fixtures was seriously explored. The fixtures gleaned from various sources all had wonderful patina. However, the fittings needed extensive work. We, therefore, chose to install new fixtures with a 60 savoirflairmagazine

left: Study with Early 17th Century Elizabethan portrait and 18th Century European furniture

RESTORE A HOUSE ! feeling of age. The low ceiling was removed to create a shed-like space.

Heated towel bars and a wall heater were added for comfort. The finished space now appears natural.

The remaining bedroom space was turned into a dressing room. One wall of closets was designed to resemble a 19th century wardrobe.

There is space for a narrow sleigh bed and chest of drawers.

We were fortunate with the electrical and most of the plumbing.

The new kitchen could be tied into existing drains and the electrical brought-up to code. We did have to replace the fuse box with a new panel and up-graded the service.

The furnace had ‘issues’ and after a very wet spring was replaced.

It was now time to ‘play.’ We became serious friends with every salvage yard or related individual within a forty mile radius. As any semblance of period hardware was long vanished, we spent many a Sunday afternoon in Exeter and Kingston, New Hampshire picking our way through endless bins and boxes of antique fixtures. Multidealer antiques shows and up-scale flea markets were a good source for additional hardware.

Finally the front of the house was addressed. Siding and trim were replaced and a beautiful 18th Century door complete with a 17th Century box lock and key was hung.

Furnishing were selected to enhance the illusion of space. In each house we followed an idea about the builder/occupant through both research and our imagination.

These were immigrants from the old world arriving here with very few possessions, many memories. They

Some of the home improvement services we specialize in include:

Additions • Basement Finishing Kitchen & Bath Remodeling and Homecare & Repair.

(508) 775-2815 • 25 Iyannough Road (Rte. 28), Hyannis, MA 02601

www.hiscc.net savoirflairmagazine 61

setting the space The Premier Staging Company

Design company specializing in interior design, home staging, event planning, world-wide corporate relocations, and hospitality applications.

877-TO-STAGE (877-867-8243) • 508-746-0600 Fax: 508-746-0655 • blair@settingthespace.com 276 South Meadow Road • Plymouth, MA 02360

www.settingthespace.com

RESTORE A HOUSE ! continued from previous page worked with locals to raise a dwelling and furnished it with what they brought. Kitchens were furnished based on a style of cooking; fabrics and embellishments were based on background. Keeping this as a guide, we added Dutch brass, Delftware, 17th century English oak, Italian wrought iron, and period portraits. This is what many of our ancestors had when they stepped off the boat. When it became necessary to add to their household inventories they bought from the English or European merchants who financially backed their coming. It was, as we all know, the next generation who relegated the old ‘stuff ’ to the back rooms and ordered matching sets of chairs, dressers, and beds from local cabinet shops. The treasuring of heirlooms was to come much later.

Located in Byfield, Massachusetts this home is a tribute to one early founding family, to their perseverance, and to local history. The plaque over the front door prouding commemorates Oliver Goodrich, George Washington’s body guard during the American Revolution, who once lived here. This grand old dame can proudly reach out and welcomes owner and guest alike to

S.D.M. Custom Finish Carpentry Fine Carpentry And Custom Cabinetry

www.sdmcustomfinishcarpentry.com Shawn Miller 978.884.8040 62 savoirflairmagazine

RESTORE A HOUSE !

come and rest by the hearth at the end of a long day.

So, have I defined that desire you have had held in some remote corner of your brain ? Might you want to restore an old house ? I suggest you walk a bit slower and think long and hard !

The Barn at 17

Antiques &

Blackstone Furniture Restorers

Over 50 Years Experience

Antiques and Restoration

Over 10,000 sq. feet On Site Restoration ◊ Minutes from Boston 17 Murdock St. Somerville, MA

617.625.5204

www.barnat17.com

Est. 1991

Professional Floors

Residential & Commercial William Towne , Alan Collachicco

508.398.9992 BennettFence.com

• Bathroom Remodeling & Installation • New Houses & Additions • Fixture Sales • Gas Fittings 24 Hour • Water Heaters • Boilers Availability • Dishwashers & Disposals • Toilet Repair • Drain Cleaning

781-272-2670

www.kirklandandshaw.com

Sonny's

Alan Collachicco is the owner of Collachicco and Company, a 23 year old interior design business with an international clientele. He has worked for clients both in England and Ireland as well as the East Coast of The United States. Alan is also the former curator of The House of the Seven Gables Museum located in Salem, MA. His husband , William Towne, Ph.D is a retired administrator in Special Education who currently teaches at Salem State University.

Specializing in Residential Service

Capitol Transmission & Auto Care

Family owned & operated since 1934

Diagnostics, Service & Repair for all your Transmission needs.

• refinishing • installation • repairs • sanding • staining • 24 hr service • insured • free estimates

(617) 568-9886 Cell (617) 407-5348 musicbox55@hotmail.com

(860) 953-9155 29 Newfield Ave, Hartford CT www.CapitolTransmission.com

Support These Businesses That Openly Welcome Our Community

George R. rivet

Funeral Home and Crematorium

We proudly provide the families of Merrimack and surrounding areas with the very best in personal and professional service. as a full-service funeral home, we are able to meet the needs of every family we serve.

ALUMINUM

PRIVACY

CHAIN LINK

RAIL FENCE

PICKET

(603) 424-5530

SHOWER ENCLOSURES

www.rivetfuneralhome.com P.O. Box 86 425 D.W. Highway Merrimack, NH 03054

savoirflairmagazine 63

hopeforholyoke Glenville Terrace Auto Service

For info Call

Kevin 978•815•1893 Gloucester, MA

Approved By Your Insurance Company Allston • Brighton • Brookline Mechanical Service on Vehicles Foreign & Domestic factory trained techicians Owner has 27 years repair experience.

We prefer to use original parts. emmisions experts • state inspections • check engine lamp solutions.

• regular scheduled maintenance. oil changes,timing belts, tune ups Straight forward and friendly service.

We care! Eco conscious facility.

NorthShoreScrapMetal.com Removal of All Types of Scrap Steel, Iron & Metal Cast Iron • Boilers Heavy Equipment Junk Cars

We Pay Cash • No Job Too Big or Small

Buyers of Non-Ferrous & Precious Metals Copper • Brass • Stainless Aluminum • Lead Electronics Removal Reasonable Rates

continued from page 31 Department and the YMCA to start a basketball league for out of school youth. He did not stop there, Morse then worked with community residents to organize the annual “Stop the Violence” Basketball and Volleyball tournament which aims to promote peace and nonviolence in Holyoke.

It would take several pages to list his accomplishments, a list that people twice his age cannot begin to formu-

(617)783-1515 10 Glenville Terr., Allston, MA * Glenville Terrace glenvilleauto.com Comm. Ave.

Harvard Ave.

Roll-Off Containers, 15 to 50 yard available

Photo: Rob Deza/www.robdezaphoto.com/

COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR 1/2 Block To T

Shimon’s Service Station Full Auto repair on Domestic and Foreign Cars Road Service / Towing www.masscarcare.com (617) 566-9538 or (617) 731-0621 Mass. Inspection Station #PB005104

445 Harvard Ave. Brookline, MA 02446

“3RD GENERATION COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE” All Work Is Owner Supervised

DRIVEWAYS • PARKING LOTS • ROADS COMMERCIAL PAVINGS • PULVERIZING

WE ARE FULLY EQUIPPED FOR ANY SIZED PROJECT IN HOUSE - NO SUB-CONTRACTORS USED

617•314•7651 www.cooperbrospaving.com

Alex Campaigning in 2011

late. His focus has always been to promote a positive environment in which youth can learn, feel safe and aim to become productive members of the community. As the mayor, he has broadened his scope to include everyone’s concerns and issues. He has been quoted saying that he is everybody’s mayor, and he was not exaggerating it. With nearly 50 percent of

Free Estimates 64 savoirflairmagazine

Fully Insured

the population speaking Spanish, being

hopeforholyoke able to communicate with all residents can be a challenge, but not for Morse.

Being fluent in Spanish has been an asset during his campaign and it continues to be very helpful now. In fact, Morse recently announced that Holyoke Community College is offering free conversational Spanish classes for municipal employees. In his statement he added “This is an important step in my administration’s goal to serve all residents of the City of Holyoke and to make City Hall more welcoming and accessible to all constituents,

Funeral Home, Inc.

hearn

stop dreaming and start doing Interior/Exterior work Professional Services Reasonable Rates

(413) 587-0044

Michael T. Ahearn, Director 783 Bridge Rd., Northampton, MA 01061

Call today to make your dreams come true (413)885-9038

www.rainbowhomeimprovement.net

no matter their language. In the Fall, we plan to offer a second course for free – Conversational Spanish for Law Enforcement Professionals, for our city’s Police and Fire Departments.”

Holyoke has a rich history, developed in the 19th century as our first planned industrial community it prospered with its mills and was once the greatest known producer of paper, earning the title of “Paper City of the World”. Strategically built around its many water sources, it continues to use its “water power” by successfully generating twothirds of its electricity from renewable, hydroelectric resources. Morse plans on using the city’s unique assets to bring in more businesses to the area, but true to his personal style, he wants to integrate new concepts as well, “I

Joyal’s Liquors 100 Bourbons 350 Single Malt Scotches 125 Boutique Rums 165 Tequilas 1000 Premium Cigars Largest selection of Irish Whiskey in New England

want to change the perception some

Temperature-Controlled wine storage.

people have of Holyoke. I want people

Best wine selection in central Rhode Island.

and businesses to grow roots right

www.JoyalsLiquors.com

here in the city.” To lead by example Morse has bought an apartment on continues on next page

90 West Warwick Ave. (Rte. 117) • W. Warwick, RI 02893 (401) 822-0536

savoirflairmagazine 65

hopeforholyoke continued from previous page Open Square, a former mill in downtown Holyoke and has even invited the press to have a tour of his living space.

While Morse values Holyoke’s history,

Decora, Schrock, Apple Valley, Legacy and JSI cabinetry All types of countertops from Granite, quartz, solid surface and laminates.

We come out and measure, design and also offer installation of the above

to continue to think of it as a paper city may be obsolete since the name no longer represents the city’s profile, perhaps it’s time to start thinking of it a progressive center of the digital era.

By focusing on arts and technology, Morse hopes that downtown will become the place we all want to visit,

781-485-3303

www.directkitchen.net

195 Squire Rd. Revere, Ma. 02151

have dinner, enjoy local artists, take a walk around the canals, and have a drink before heading home. He is also hoping “home” will be just around the corner from our favorite Holyoke restaurant. But, of course, that is not all.

Morse is also bringing attention to technology in order to attract businesses and generate jobs. With a high performance computing center at the top of his priority list, he must ensure that the $168 million investment from Harvard, MIT, Northeastern, UMASS, and other local forces will be well utilized.

Morse’s enthusiasm for his hometown is contagious, twenty minutes into our conversation and I want to browse Holyoke, perhaps see if the Mayor is free for dinner and movie. One of the characteristics that make this young man so personable is that, unlike so many politicians, he is genuinely invested in helping his hometown grow and prosper. He underplays the fact that he is young and reminds me that being

66 savoirflairmagazine

hopeforholyoke

gay is just part of who he is, like being

and violence, it matters that someone

straight is part of someone else’s life. I

they can relate to has reached for, and

agree. Our sexuality does not define us

attained, his own stars. It matters in

completely, it does not give us special

the formation of a generation of voters

cations, Flavia is a certi-

powers, better understanding of any

that it is everyone’s right and duty to

fied wellness counselor,

task, or the ability to live a better life.

elect those who will contribute to a bet-

life coach and parent

What it does is bring us a different level

ter world. And it matters to the LGBTQ

coach. Originally from Brazil, she is a Smith

of awareness when it comes to things

community to know that our members

that others may take for granted. Civil

are visible, respected, contributing and

rights, for instance.

essential part of the world.

gathered at a local high school to talk

www.linkpink.com

with her teenage son.

JEWELERS

800 952 1538 617 426 0521

Boston Gun and Rifle Association

do what they loved. We heard from a cop, a senator, a doctor and a school official who encouraged children to go (617) 436-8846 1483 Dorchester Ave Dorchester, MA 02122

end, I heard a young girl behind me whisper to her friend, “see? you can be a police officer!”

College graduate and lives in Massachusetts

44 School St., Boston

ing out had not hindered their ability to

who they are in their entirety. At the

writer for various publi-

skylightjewelers.com

about their jobs and the fact that be-

after their goals without leaving behind

In addition to being a

KYLIGHT

I recently attended an event in which LGBTQ members of the community

Flavia Francesquini

www.bostongunclub.net

* Basic firearms safety We offer the most * Hunter education advanced firearms training * Home firearms safety to suit your needs * Reloading techniques * Personal Protection * Defensive spray (pepper spray) - class open to all * Straight/expandable baton (professional/security personnel) * Basic hand defense (professional/security personnel) * Tactical handgun techniques - class open to all

For a complete schedule of basic safety courses call www.bostongunclub.net 617-436-8846 or email training@bostongunclub.net

This is exactly why I endorse those who have the power to become good example to the LGBTQ community. No matter how old we are or what goals we have, we don’t have to be defined by society’s stereotypes and misguided views on what we should and should not pursue.

Mayor Morse has never thought of himself as too young to do the right thing, he has never used his sexual orientation as a way of getting what he wanted, and neither has he used it to promote a cause he didn’t believe would benefit society as a whole. To the youth in our community, struggling with ignorance savoirflairmagazine 67

Keeping ThE Faith

INN AT THE MOORS Reasonable Accommodations With A Million Dollar View

(800) 842-6379 • (508) 487-1342 ~Heated Swimming Pool~Continental Breakfast~Parking~ ~WIFI~Phone~Refrigerator~ ~All Private Baths~AC~ e-mail:info@innatthemoors.com, www.innatthemoors.com

continued from page 25 efit to raise money for the organization. Charlestown, the amazing town where I live, turned what would’ve been a small event into a big benefit with an amazing turn out.

In November of 2011 we held our very first Stiggy’s Dogs Benefit. We raised money to keep the organization going but we also educated people on the challenges veterans experience and the benefits of having a service dog. During the event we met a great deal of wonderful people and I realized that my story could help others. Things went so well that Jennifer Petre honored me with the position of assistant director. Honor and I continue to make appearances on radio, television and schools, where we attend career days to talk about service dogs and how they help veterans.

We also take part in many fairs and benefits in hopes of educating others about Stiggy’s Dogs, and to get donations to keep it going.

With all of the hard work and dedication of our staff I know that Stiggy’s Dogs will be around for years to come.

As I write this I think about how many people have told me that what I do for this organization is amazing but the truth is that what these dogs do for us is the real gift. I know that I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for Honor. My family is com-

68 savoirflairmagazine

Keeping ThE Faith

plete and I have a sense of purpose that brings me so much joy. I am a changed woman and my mom confirmed that when she said, “I finally have my daughter back.”

Support These Businesses That Openly Welcome Our Community New England’s Oldest Joke and Costume Shop!

Hard to Find Costumes Make-Up • Masks • Jokes 1000’s of Quality Hats & Wigs Mascots

t e I ot! v e li N Be Or

More Unique Accessories Than Anyone Around!

Adult Gifts, Gags & Novelties

Offering A Variety Of Costumes & Jokes All Year Ar ound!

Try Us For Anything No One Else Has! Our Customers Love Us And So Will You!

THEJOKERSWILD.COM 204 Main St., No. Reading, MA 978.664.5401 • 85-87 Andover St., Danvers, MA 978.777.7206

east coast ticket c o n c e r t s • t h e at r e • n a s c a r nhl • mlb • nba • ncaa

617-292-9944

www.eastcoastticket.com

Micro-dermabrasion, Reflexology, Facials & Waxing

Bonnie’s

Facials & Waxing for Men & Women Wed - Sat

9:30AM – 6PM

Call today for an appointment

617.969.3773 4 Hartford St. Newton Highlands, MA www.bonniesfacialsandwaxing.com savoirflairmagazine 69

Divorce | WhEn There Is Marriage...

continued from page 19

of this writing, same-sex marriage is recognized in only 16% of the United States. It’s impossible for you to divorce in 84% of the states in the country in which you live, the country in which you married. No one at the Registry of Motor Vehicles says, “I see that you have a drivers’ license but we don’t allow gays to drive in our State.”

This isn’t to say divorce is always a nightmare for same-sex couples.

“Kevin” married his husband on the beach in Provincetown. The marriage dissolved after three years, and Kevin said the process was like ordering fast food. “I ended up being my own legal counsel, and my partner did as well.

It’s actually set up to be self-service so you don’t need anyone else’s help. If you want to get a divorce in Massachusetts, the no-fault system is set up so you can march in and out of the courtroom before lunch and be divorced. Awesome. I love it. I’ve had slower service at McDonald’s.”

The court fee to file and the cost to have a constable serve his partner the papers, Kevin estimates, ran him under $300. However, his divorce did not involve children, property, and other estate or retirement accounts. He and his partner married and divorced in a same-sex recognition state. “No-fault” divorce means that couples are not required to prove a marriage breach by either party in order to end the union.

For Terry, who married his partner of 24 years and remained married another six years, divorce is still a word looming in the shadows. They do have assets that must be divided and Terry is hoping to resolve it through mediation. The financial burden Terry associates with divorce comes from more than attorney fees, but also the difficulties in taking two lives that had been weaved together in so many levels and turning that into two individual, functioning adults. At this point neither can afford to buy each other out of the house they own together and that’s just part of the problems they hope to resolve in the near future.

Terry says that aside from the legal aspect, there is also the heart wrenching reality that, as the song pointed out long ago, breaking up is hard to do! In his experience, property can be easier to divide than common friends, “I think it’s very important to reach out for support during this time and I have been surprised at who reaches

back. Some of our friends have been very supportive, some have felt like they needed to take sides and a lot of them just don’t know what to do so they stay out of it.”

Peter Zupcofska is a partner at the Boston firm Burns & Levinson, LLP. A pioneer in the area of gay and lesbian family law, he has been handling same-sex marriage issues for nearly a decade. “Before it was even allowed,” he explained, “I worked with GLAD. We were gearing up for what we would need to have as information for pushing the marriage issue. When the actual Goodridge suit was filed, I was co-chair of the Boston Bar Association family law section. This has been a cause for me for some time.”

He continued, “Frankly, I was counseling people [back then] to wait for marriage so they could get a divorce.

If that sounds cold-blooded, it really isn’t because in order to get a fair division when you break up a relationship, continues on next page

Services for Our Community

Salem Legal Services, LLC and

Salem Mediation Services, LLC Mary Notaris Mediator

Darlene M. Daniele 45 Stiles Rd., Suite 104 Salem, NH 03079 Attorney at Law Phone (603) 898-6954 Admitted to Practice in NH & MA Fax (603) 898-5210

mnotaris@salemmediationservices.com / ddaniele@salemlegalservices.com www.salemlegalservices.com Available for Civil Union Ceremonies and Marriages. A full service general law practice and mediation service catering to your personal and professional needs.

HOW’S YOUR MARRIAGE? If your answer is, “not good,” do yourself a favor and arm yourself with knowledge. I will make sure that you have the information you need to start moving in a positive direction. Don’t worry about unreturned calls or being passed off to a less experienced attorney - I respect my clients and treat them with courtesy.

Please call the office to schedule a consultation or visit my website for more information.

Law Office of Annette Baker Doolin 978.922.2888 • 900 Cummings Center, Suite 219T, Beverly, MA 01915

www.annettebakerlaw.com 70 savoirflairmagazine

Divorce | WhEn There Is Marriage... there are certain statutory protections that go to people who are married in the divorce statute. It means that you can get alimony and division of assets based upon certain statutory factors.”

With such a long history working with gay and lesbian family law, Zupkofska has dealt with divorcing couples who felt guilty about disappointing their community and those who had fought for their right to marry, “Marriage for gays and lesbians is a radical thing to do. It’s ironic because you see straight people now, and very prominent ones to boot, basically having babies, not being married… When I was a kid, getting a divorce was something radical. The odd part about this is the old-fashioned institute of marriage is radical for gays and lesbians. When the Goodridges divorced, that was such a tough thing for them because they were the name. Lo and behold, they’re divorced.”

Zupkofska also sites two reasons that contribute to the pressures some couples in our community

M 161 Wilbur Avenue Somerset, MA 02725

may experience, “One, because we fought so hard to get it, there’s a kind of let down. Two, we don’t want those people who are anti-gay and lesbian marriage to say, ‘See, we told you their relationships are no good.’”

Another example of how DOMA negates marriage equality, even in recognition states, is the fact that property and assets are taxed when transferred from one spouse to another in a dissolving same-sex marriage. A Boston condo handed from a husband to a wife is protected from capital gains tax payouts by federal law. That same condo, transferred from one husband to another, may cost him upwards of tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars because their union was never acknowledged by the United States. It’s as though they were never married. The same is true of the transfer of assets if your spouse passes away. Same-sex widows and widowers pay more in accepting the deceased’s estate. continues on next page

Miguel Law Offices Attorney At Law - Somerset, MA

Same Sex Divorce Employment Law Discrimination Sexual Harassment Wrongful Termination Unemployment Law Family Law Consumer Protection

Child Custody & Visitation Child Support & Contempt Domestic Violence Post-Divorce Modifications Child Relocations/Removals Out-of-State Clients Personal Injury Adoptions

Attorney Miguel 508-402-7095 Toll Free: 866-360-5082

www.miguellawoffices.com savoirflairmagazine 71

Divorce | WhEn There Is Marriage...

continued from previous page

The good news is that recent developments show waning support for DOMA and it is being legally challenged in many states. In Boston, the 1st United States Circuit Court of Appeals ruled unanimously in a threejudge panel that DOMA denies samesex couples of the same rights and freedoms that heterosexual couples are granted. This case may be headed to the Supreme Court. While progress sometimes seems to move at a glacial pace, there is no doubt progress is happening.

Do our three attorneys believe DOMA will still be around in five years? “I sure as hell hope not,” said Kauffman. “I think that the case that was just decided by the 1st Circuit, which is challenging Section 3, which has to do with the federal benefits to samesex couples, I am cautiously optimistic that we may win that. When that will happen, it’s hard to say. That will make a big difference for divorcing couples because the federal benefits better available to heterosexual cou-

ples would then be available to gay couples who are divorcing.”

Cheong said DOMA will soon be gone. “I think four or five federal courts around the country have already ruled it unconstitutional. There hasn’t been a single federal court that has upheld it. Most people think it’s going up to the Supreme Court…

[DOMA] is clear discrimination. You cannot institute a law like that,” he said. Zupcofska agreed, citing the recent victories that should move it to the top of the judicial system. “Interestingly enough,” he said, “some of the very conservative justices have opined that, [although] they might not be in favor of gay marriage because of their religion or whatever, in terms of application of the Constitution, they would have to believe [DOMA] is unconstitutional.”

When marriage equality becomes reality sometime in the future, our rights will not be null when we cross state lines. Our tax returns will look the same and we won’t have to pay more

THE LAW OFFICE OF

KEVIN P. O’MALLEY P.C. •

•

Family law and divorce • Same sex pre-marriage, marriage, parenting & divorce • Uncontested divorce • Post divorce modifications • Child custody • Child support • Parenting rights/visitation • Child support violations • Spousal support/alimony Criminal Defense • Juvenile Law • Real Estate Law Estate Planning & Administration First Floor, 1 Shipyard Way, Suite 1190 Medford, MA 02155 781-395-7070 Toll-free: 1-888-801-1514

www.attorneyomalley.com 72 savoirflairmagazine

for the same services. The two people on a child’s birth certificate will be his legal parents, regardless of their genders, and they won’t have to add extra staples and glue to this avowed documentation of parenthood. Federal recognition means that when we split up, for all the reasons that make us humans, we are treated with dignity and precisely the same way as every other person in the United States. Many people argue that same-sex marriage ought to be left up to the states to decide, but clearly this system is flawed. For those who say marriage equality—marriage recognition on a federal level—is a threat to a society, ask yourselves whether a bigger threat may be the ringing discrimination of an enormous segment of that society’s population.

Elizabeth Gromley is a writer and bartender living in Boston.

Chris Pleim Piano Services

Pianos Tuned, Repaired, Appraised and Sold

Two Locations: Allston and Hyde Park

Soundboard Replacement • Refinishing

617-783-1030 www.chrispleimpiano.com Registered Piano Technician

The ultimate destination with the most satisfying tile and stone buying experience

(508) 732-8911 (781) 461-0406 Plymouth and Dedham Locations w w w. b e s t t i l e . c o m

Service Directory

Apartments

ApartmentsEastern MA

(781) 893-5038 | (888) 593-5044

ApothecaryEastern MA

Skenderian Apothecary

phone: 617-354-5600 fax: 617-492-8135

Tan

www.charlesbankgardenapts.com

56 Charles River Rd., Waltham

ity Auto

Foreign and Domestic Your One Stop Auto Body Shop

Peter’s

B

Auto Body

ody

Relaxed lifestyle • Overlooking the Charles River

www.skenderianapothecary.com

Auto BodyEastern MA

Auto BodyEastern MA

rC ne

Auto Body

Major collision repairs to minor nicks and dings

88 Walnut St., Peabody, MA (978) 532-3212

Domestic and Foreign Cars Complete Auto Body Service

(617) 524-2800

237 Hyde Park Ave., Jamaica Plain MA

1613 Cambridge St Cambridge, MA 02138

AntiquesEastern M

Steve’s Antiques 381 Elliot St. #155 Newton, MA 617.969.2403

•

•

Cranberry Collision

Hondaa King Inc.

161 Queen Anne Road Harwich, MA 02645-2406

• Guaranteed, first quality service • ASE certified master mechanics • 27 years Honda experience • Insurance work accepted

(508) 430-1055

(617) 787-1233• www.hondaaking.com

www.cranberrycollision.com

AppraisersEastern Ma Accredited

Appraisers A rt & Antiques

Arrow

Auto Body, Inc.

17 - 1/2 State Street Marblehead, MA 01945

781.631.5956

24 Years Experience

PETER SORLIEN

Accredited Senior Appraiser

The Finest In Body Work & Painting

Body / Fender Work • 24 Hr Towing Insurance Claims Welcome

(617)364-2826

752 Hyde Park Ave., Hyde Park, MA

VidioView.com Enjoy the View.

The Best

Gay Video

• • • • • •

Claim Handling Free Estimates Rentals and Towing Unibody and Frame Straightening Foreign and Domestic Repair Superior Color Matching

www.albrodeur.com

508.485.1082 87 Mill St. Central Marlborough MA

Support These Businesses That Welcome Our Community savoirflairmagazine 73

Service Directory

Auto Repair

Auto Repair Eastern MA

Vin’s Auto Service brakes, batteries, alternators, radiators, alignment 195 American Legion Hwy 60W, Revere, MA

781 284 8073 vinsauto00@cs.com

Auto Repair/TiresEastern MA

Ell-Bern

Service & Tire Inc.

We Excel Where Others Fail Alignment Discount Tire Prices State Inspection Complete Under Car Service Most Vehicles Brakes & Exhaust

Auto towingEastern MA

Stanley Towing 24 Hour Towing & Road Service

(617) 522-4100 3430 Washington St Jamaica Plain, Ma 02130

BakeryEastern MA The Crown Bakery & Cafe 133 Gold Star Blvd.

Worcester, MA 01606 508-852-0746 thecrownbakery.com

BalloonsEastern MA

(617) 262-9163

Balloonatics

Auto Repair Transmission MA

Balloons & Flowers For All Occasions

785 Tremont St., Boston MA

Free Road Test and Estimate Call:

Dave’s Automatic Transmissions Transmission - leak fixing, fluid and filter changes, maintenance, diagnostics Brake - pads, drums, rotors, calipers 4 Wheel Drive - maintenance, repair, rebuild

617-934-2713 • 481 Quincy Ave. Quincy www.davesautomatictransmissions.com

Car WashEastern MA

EASTERN EXPRESS CAR WASH Automatic Tunnel with Soft Cloth & High Pressure 8 Self-Serve Wash Bays Open 24 Hours

617-884-4686

16 Vacuums • 3 Fragrance Vacuums • Shampoo Vacuum • Car Care Products • Compressed Air

294 Eastern Avenue Chelsea, MA 02150-3308

ChimneysEastern MA

Bob’s Magic Broom Serving Metro & Northern Boston

chimney sweeping repair, scans liners, caps

781-391-7795

www.bobsmagicbroom.com ContractorsEastern MA

(781) 231-3410

617.924.3100

Family Owned and Operated For Over 30 years BelmontWatertownTransmissions.com

Contractors

building restoration and preservation since 1932 552 Lincoln Ave., Saugus, MA balloonaticsofsaugus.com

P. J. Spillane Company is a contracting firm focused on building-envelope maintenance and rehabilitation. From new construction projects to structures centuries old, P. J. Spillane Company specializes in building restoration, repair, and waterproofing.

617-389-6200 • www.pjspillane.com

BicyclesEastern MA

As a full service contractor we offer: Interior & Exterior Painting, Carpentry, Decks, Windows, Doors, Masonry, Plastering, Marble, Tiling, Roofing, Siding, Kitchen, Bathroom.

857-719-2123

www.mazzoniconstruction.com lau.des@hotmail.com

74 savoirflairmagazine

Service Directory

Contractors

ContractorsEastern MA

Sean

General Contractor

E

Home Improvements & Repairs No Job Too Big or Too Small Gutters cleaned, Repaired and Installed References on Request • Free Estimates 30 Years in Business • Licensed & Insured

CALL 617-364-4287

Kitchen cabinets Bathroom vanities Crown moldings Baseboards Custom Millwork Doors Gerry DiPierro Windows & door casings Proprietor Chair rails Custom media centers Bookcases Handrails Spindles & balusters Newell posts Fireplace mantels Gerry@DiPierroconstruction.com Fully Licensed & Insured Columns

Di Pierro

617-592-6447

Dry CleanersEastern MA

Sturgis Dry Cleaners & Tailors All Work

Done • Tailoring On Premises • Shirts • Same Day Service • Suede/Leather • Curtains • Wedding Gowns Cleaned & Preserved • Smoke & Water Damage Restoration For Clothing

Firearm TrainingEastern MA

ExcavationEastern MA

D.A. McCAULEY X

C

A V A T

I

O

N

I

n

c

Foundation • Water Sewer Driveways Retaining Walls Snow Plowing

(617) 934-6700 53 Gilbert St • Quincy, MA 02169 www.seanfarrellexcavationma.com

FencingEastern MA

Sweezey

Fence Erectors

Adrian O’Malley Electric Serving Greater Boston Area No Job Too Small • Licensed & Insured Lighting • Telephone/Intercom • Upgrades New and Existing Construction • Alarms Emergency Lighting • Hot Tubs Fuses • GFCI Security • Repairs, Installation & Design

617-440-7704 www.aomalleyelectric.com

Guns for the good guys. . . . and gals!

www.FlintArms.com • Train@FlintArms.com

FlooringEastern MA

Mark’s Master Service Hardwood Floor Sanding, Refinishing & Installation, Non-Wood Floor Resurfacing

800-479-0367

www.marksmasterservice.com

Installation & Repair Services

• Free Estimates • Fully Insured 233 Bedford St. Whitman, MA 02382 (781) 447-4200 • 1-800 427-3385

www.sweezeyfenceco.com

Residential • Commercial Fully Insured • Free Estimates Defined Ability. Superior Results.

Peter Barresi 781-724-2900 barresiflooring@yahoo.com www.barresiflooring.com

Funeral Eastern MA

617.269.1014

Residential & Commercial

1068 Slade Street Fall River, MA Visit our Retail Showroom & Training Center 508-567-1442 We Buy • Sell • Consign • Transfer Firearms Offering the following classes NRA Home Firearm Safety-NRA Basic Pistol NRA Personal Protection in the Home NRA Refuse to Be a Victim NRA Basic Rifle - NRA Basic Shotgun

Established 1969

135 W. Broadway St., South Boston, MA 02127 hours 6am-6pm mon-sat

ElectricianEastern MA

Funeral

Support These Businesses That Openly Welcome Our Community

cartmell funeral services inc. funeral services complete funeral service pre-planning graveside service complete cremation service immediate cremation service personalized services pet loss

150 Court St, Plymouth, MA 02360 508-746-2162 fax: 508-747-3929 www.cartmellfuneralhome.com

savoirflairmagazine 75

Service Directory

Glass

GlassEastern MA

Home InspectionEastern MA

Jackson Glass Inc.

Discover The Ace Difference

Commercial • Residential • Auto

617-782-9079

Free estimates! (617) 522-0525

- Shower and tub - Mirrors- Shelving - Windows - Store fronts - Plate glass- Tables - Specialty glass - Emergency

617-505-6091 ◊ 815 Boylston St. Brookline BostonGlassGroup.com

HandymanEastern MA

kitchen/bathEastern MA

Ace Home Inspections

Full service glass company

Boston Glass Group

Legal

www.aceinspect.com

Jewelry Eastern MA

978∙774∙3333 BrownsKB.com

∙ BF MURPHY ∙ PLUMBING AND HEATING

Ustinov Jewelers (508)994-8400, Fax:(508)994-5558, E-mail: U s t i n o v J e w e l e r s @ c o m c a s t . n e t , w w w. ustinovjewelers.com We are pleased to offer you a wide selection of Diamonds, Jewelry, Gifts, Watches, and Custom Designed Jewelry. All jewelry is a reflection of its owner and we want you to be known for your appreciation of quality, craftsmanship and lasting worth!

978∙774∙3174

Gerry’s

Custom Cabinet Corp.

junk removalEastern MA Remodeling kitchen/baths

Custom & Stock Cabinetry & Counters 31 Coolidge Hill Rd. Watertown

Quality Work At FAIR PRICES!

617-972-1700

www.gerryscustomcabinet.com

Tim's Handyman Services

Plumbing • Tile • Ornamental Ironwork Frame-to-Finish Carpentry • Remodeling Roofing • Welding • Drywall • Built In's • Doors Windows • Fence • Exterior Siding • Shingles

617•816•7200 MrFixitTim.com

Health/Physical Therapy MA

Professional Demolition Contractor

3 3 3 3

Selective Demolition Whole or Partial Cleanouts Trash Pick Ups Dumpster Rentals

22 YRS

experience

Commercial - Residential

Fully insured Free estimates Call Mark or contact us at

www.marksdisposal.com

RMFRubbish Removal

Residential • Commercial Free Estimates Licensed • Fully Insured

Cash for Junk Cars & Scrap Metal Demolition & Clean Up of any size Basements • Attics • Yards & Garages - Snow Removal No Job Too Big or Small

617-594-4130 617-569-5687

FAX 617-569-1477

76 savoirflairmagazine

LegalEastern MA Kraft Law Offices 60 State St. Suite 700 Boston, MA 02109 (617)573-0010 www.kraftlawboston.com.

LegalWestern MA

Law Offices of

ALFRED P. CHAMBERLAND Licensed in Massachusetts & Connecticut

General Practice of Law

• Sexual Harassment • Personal Injury • Discrimination • Bankruptcy • Employment Law • Criminal

413-529-0404

5 Arthur St., Easthampton 01027

Service Directory

Limousine

limousineEastern MA

A-Executive Limousine We get you there in style - Official Limo Service of the Boston Bruins

Theater & Concerts • Business Events • Airport/Cruise Transfers Weddings • Nights on the Town Sporting Events

(800) 287-2527 a-executivelimo.com LocksmithEastern MA

People’s Lock Shop Locally Owned And Operated Courteous, Prompt Service

MirrorEastern MA

Boston Mirror

Optical

oilEastern MA

MARCEY OIL CO.

"Where Experience Matters" Serving Provincetown & Truro

www.baystateglass.com

(617) 268-5880 ∞ South Boston, MA

MovingEastern MA

R.B. Cooke & Son Inc. Family owned & Operated since 1946

Residential• Local & Long Distance Moves

Fully Insured 617-265-1900

Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau!

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Budget Plans • Automatic Delivery Cash Discounts • Same Day Delivery Complete Heating Systems Boiler Replacements 37 Franklin St., Provincetown

508-487-0219

Family owned since 1937 SINCE 1920

OpticalEastern MA

Dr. Barry Shomali optometrist

101 Tremont St., Ste. 406 Boston

Senior Citizen Discount

617-908-0232 617-566-0880

Need packing, moving, storage or disposal services?.

NOTHING BUT SERVICE. We’re not done until you’re completely satisfied.

MasonryEastern MA

CALLAGHAN

MASONRY

LGBT Friendly Mention This Ad for

20% Off

Moving/StorageWestern MA

& Building Restoration

617-426-3236 ◊ drshomali.com

Customized for your style

Lic. #CS78230

Some glasses made while you wait All prescriptions filled Contact Lenses

857.244.9318 89 Minot St., Boston, MA 02122

617-296-0066 Dorchester Lower Mills

www.callaghanmasonry.com

2271 Dorchester Ave., Boston, MA

www. eyeandeyeoptics. com

www.linkpink.com www.ministoragebigmovers.com savoirflairmagazine 77

Service Directory

Painting

PaintingEastern MA

MAROTTA PAINTING Residential and commercial.

Outside doors and decks.

Satisfaction guaranteed and warranteed.

Power washing.

Free Estimates.

MarottaPainting.com

774-836-7424

PlumbingEastern MA

KDH

Woodworking

Tree ServiceEastern MA Quality Tree Pruning, Removal and Care / Climber Services Fully Insured • Year Round

Plumbing & Heating

“Service is our Specialty”

781-858-6103 Ron Hansen • Lic #26851 KDHPlumbing@yahoo.com

CALL 781-438-1759 or 978-658-2344 “Proudly Maintaining America’s Renewable Resource since 1972”

Real EstateEastern MA

Window Treatments MA

jack’s Painting Interior / exterior painting finish carpentry wallpapering tiling free estimates • local refrences ask for jack day or evening office (617)859-7997 Cell (617)719-5511 PavingEastern MA

Karen and Barry Hickman William Raveis Real Estate

617 821 1665 RestaurantEastern MA 1735 Centre St., West Roxbury, MA 02132, (617) 325-3500, fax: (617) 325-5054, e-mail: info@himalayanbistro.net, www.himalayanbistro.net. Indian and Nepali Cuisine We are proud to be the first Nepali restaurant in the Greater Boston area. Nepal food is healthy, nourishing, practical and tasty. All of our dishes are prepared similar to the way the Nepali royal family is served. Our menu also includes Indian cuisine. Our dining hall is elegant with high ceilings, authentic music and antique statues. Delivery and catering service.

Free Estimates Fully Insured

617•314•7651 cooperbrospaving.com

PlumbingEastern MA Jack Welch Plumbing & Heating

Your #1 Boston Plumber

residential & commercial water heaters drains • sewers • leaks

Tankless water heaters

617-913-0896

Licensed • Insured

\

78 savoirflairmagazine

Open 6 Days a week! & **Seasonal Sundays**

617-464-1263

Himalayan Bistro

229 Old Colony Ave., S. Boston

617-436-1268

703 Gallivan Blvd., Dorchester

www.driveinpaint.com

RoofingEastern MA

Able Since roofing 1921 DRIVEWAYS • PARKING LOTS • ROADS COMMERCIAL PAVINGS • PULVERIZING

• Window Treatments-Blinds • In- Store Design Service • Shades • Shutters • Radiator Covers • Much more...

Experienced, Affordable Roofing For All Jobs large & Small Fully Licensed & Insured

Call Jay Bullens 617-327 7000 ableroofingcompany.com

Custom Window Treatments, Shutters, Shades & Drapes

WINDOW TREATMENTS ETC. 432-0558

(508) 432-0558

2504 Main Street (Route 28), South Chatham, MA 02659

www.windowtreatmentsetc.com

Woodworking MA

TileEastern MA

O nce

window treatments etc.

upon

a tile

“Showcasing the latest tile and stone available throughout the world”

978.345.8343

12 Westminster St. Fitchburg, MA

www.onceuponatile.com

Abbas Woodworking

Custom Architechtural Woodworking for 20 Years Architechtural Millwork Historic Reproduction Doors & Doorways Bookshelves & Cabinets Church work

51 Endicott St., #46, Norwood, MA 617-548-0986 ◊ www.abbaswoodworking.com

KC

Kauffman Crozier LLP

“Providing Skilled and Compassionate Legal Services to Individuals and Families.”

Kauffman Crozier LLP has a particular focus on issues affecting LGBTQ families.

Attorneys Kauffman and Crozier have been at the forefront of this rapidly developing area of law.

Family law, divorce, paternity, custody and support issues, traditional and co-parent adoption, alternative reproductive technology issues, estate planning and mediation Patience Crozier polly@kauffmancrozier.com Joyce Kauffman joyce@kauffmancrozier.com

www.kauffmancrozier.com

231 Third Street Cambridge, MA 02142 (617) 577-1505 • (617) 577-1012 (fax)

Your Job Is Your Credit New England’s #1 Hyundai Dealer Group Fall River We Will Pay Off Your Trade No Matter How Much You Owe!

Over 400 pre-owned Cars,trucks, sport utilitys and vans in stock everymake, everymodel

100%

Guaranteed Credit Approval

thousands below book value!

Divorce-No Problem Bankruptcy-No Problem Bad Credit-No Problem Repossesions-No Problem

1-888-333-Lend or Apply online

www.empiregetayes.com

All Hyundai models are being produced as 2013 but we also still have a great selection of 2012 models -Tucson, Santa Fe, Sonata Hybrid, Azera “NEW BODY STYLE” and Genesis Sedan and Coupe!

Empire Hyundai Fall River 508-673-7646

AMERICA’S BEST WARRANTY The Hyundai Advantage 10 Years, 100,000 miles

428 Pleasant St., Fall River, MA

www.empirehyundai.com